Ex's latest offer....

I think our negotiations are coming to a resolution....

He wants:  child support cut in half while we are out of the country; two-thirds of the kids' summer holiday to be spent with him in the States; and one-half the transportation costs for the aforementioned visit.  He'll continue to keep the girls on his health insurance for when they're visiting him in the summer.  That's it....

Think I'm going to say yes....

Good luck...I don't know the whole story or details, but those issues are never easy. Sounds reasonable enough.

That's great that you have been able to come to an agreement you're both reasonably happy with, although I would feel a bit uneasy about the child support bit. I don't think you can contract out of that if it's been set by the court can you? Anyway it sounds like you're nearly sorted .... hooray!

Sounds like a plan, especially the health insurance bit.  That's a big concession.  And also you won't have to pay maintenance to him for them whilst they are in the US.  Are you working w/a mediator?  The judge usually won't have issues as long as both parties are in agreement.  Do you know the judge?  It would be nice if it's s/one you worked w/in the past who's amenable to the agreement. 

Whew!  A lot of members in similar situations are reading - hope this gives them hope that things can be worked out.

Keep us posted!

I wouldnt agree but thats probably only because Im going through the same thing right now trying to get my decree modified. I agreed to pay for their trasportation costs but is not possible now as our financial circumstances here have changed. Me and the ex tried to work this out when I told him I cant afford to bring the kids over ever year and he has now had me charged with contempt of court.

Also I get full child support. A lousy $500 a month for two boys is only about £260 here. Not that much. He can well afford it! In fact Im asking for more child support in the modification as his income has increased over 10k since we divorced.

Also I dont believe the courts will let him reduce the child support payments but I think that may depend on the state you are filing in. In Iowa anytime anything like this goes before a judge the child support is always automatically reviewed.

Good luck and be careful!